HAWAII FOREST & TRAIL CERTIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS

The reporting you did for the certification was very thorough and clearly demonstrates your commitment to sustainable practices. Your conservation and community projects seem impactful and diverse.

Your vision, mission, and values are good and demonstrate your integration of Hawaiian values and sustainability into your everyday practices. I do not remember seeing them posted anywhere, it would be good to have them in a location where employees would see them often (i.e. bathroom). In general, very good job using wall space to put up educational displays.

Congratulations on being awarded one of Hawaii’s Best Places to Work.

Love the appropriate, yet minimal, use of the laser pointer for star gazing. Care was taken not to over light areas used for stargazing and vehicles were not left idle at any of the stops.

Great job identifying your fleet as the largest source of impact, and constantly looking for alternatives to minimize fuel consumption and the related carbon emissions. You could look to locally derived carbon offsets (i.e. Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods) as an alternative. Also you could integrate fuel efficient driving habits into your very thorough training program (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp).

Guide training and continuing education is clearly a focus of the organization which results in very informative and fascinating tours leaving guests with an experience they could not have had on their own.

Your consumer research report was very extensive and highlights your commitment to a positive guest experience.

Good job using reusable dish-ware. Would be nice if you could increase your usage of locally sourced food.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Operation contributes to conservation outcomes annually.

In 2013, Hawaii Forest & Trail (HFT) sponsored 3 special tours that benefitted local conservation, education, and culture-based initiatives on the Big Island. A portion of the proceeds from these tours went to partner n0n-profit organizations. Dates of trips and partner non-profits were: May 18th - Hakalau Forest Birdwatching FBO Bishop Museum; July 13th - Bloomin' WiliWili FBO Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative; September 28th - Echoes of Kamehameha FBO North Kohala Community Resource Center. In total over $4000 was raised for partner organizations.

HFT maintains natural areas in both North Kohala and inside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Activities in North Kohala include trail maintenance, removal of invasive species and replanting of native species. At HVNP, activities include removal of invasive species. Over the last 12 months, HFT has spent an estimated 450 hours maintaining natural areas on the Big Island.

SUSTAINING THE COMMUNITY

Operation makes ongoing, positive contributions to the community annually.

In 2013, HFT was the grand prize sponsor for KTA's Kokua I Na Kula Program. One elementary class, one middle school class and one high school class were each awarded a guided nature adventure. Estimated value of these in-kind services were over $6000. In addition, HFT in embarking on a high school internship program in partnership with Kealakehe High School and the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. This program launched in April of 2014.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

Tour operators hire guides and staff based on their knowledge and qualifications in the field of sustainable tourism; Provide accurate and appropriate training to ensure quality of ecotourism experience to guests; and encourage staff professional development.